356 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



hie, and in fvi-ry way unftt for the purposes desired. An apparently well-devised effort, hy 

 co-operation with other kindred local associations, for securing a permanent and convenient 

 location for these essential purposes, failed entirely of any practical results, and has been 

 abandoned. The selection ot suii able rooms for future use, is now in the hands of a com- 

 mittee who expect to present a tinal report, on which definite actioh can he taken. 



The oriranization of the Academy, under its present constitution and by-laws, has been 

 found in its practical working to be unnecessarily cuml)ersome, inconvenient and unsatisfac- 

 tory. 1 refer particularly to the double orjranization of a board of independant trustees, and 

 the Academy proper, the relative duties of which are incon<;ruous and not clearly defined, the 

 matter of revision being now in the hands of a Committee of Investigation, their report 

 derived from an ex mination of the organization of a number of similar scientific bodies now 

 in successful operp on will, it is hoped, present the data for a more satisfactory reorganiza- 

 tion. My attentii' 'is also been called hy Mr. C. E. Putnam, one of the Trustees of the 

 Academy, to some )ortant defects in the articles of Incorporation, which in his opinion 

 destroy its legal vahii 1 take pleasure in adding that Mr. Putnam has kindly volunteered to 

 correct these important defects, and thus place the organization of the Academy on a proper 

 legal basis. It is unnecessary to recommend to the Academy the grateful acceptance of this 

 generous ofter. 



During the past season two of the officers of the Academy have been connected with the 

 Scientific Corps of a United States Government Survey in Western Wyoming, the results of 

 which are now in course of publication. One of our members has been engaged in geolog- 

 ical examinations and collections in Missouri, the results of which have been in part commu- 

 nicated to the Academy, at its regular meetings. 



Under the direct auspices of the Academy, some interesting and valuable ethnological in- 

 vestigations have been made of Indian mounds in this vicinity. These several examinations, 

 and especially the last, which has added important material to our collections, have excited 

 considerable interest both at home and abroad, and have served to give credit and reputation 

 to the Academy, as evide-iced in the receipt of various complimentary letters. It is to he 

 hoped that such investigations may be still more energetically continued during the present 

 year. 



It has been proposed from several distinct sources to incorporate into the organization of 

 the Academy, an historical division, with the view of collecting and storing for future use, 

 any material especially bearing on Western or local history. It will be obvious to all that 

 such collections including old newspapers, manuscripts, hooks, relics, &c., would increase 

 in value year hy year, and eventually form a very attractive feature, as well as afford the most 

 satisfactory material for the use of the future historian. I therefore cordially commend this 

 subject to your consideration. 



To the above brief statements of the defects, the wants, and work of this association, it 

 might be proper, did time allow, to add some pertinent suggestions on the educational scope 

 of such institutions, as directly bearing on their future progress. That such institutions 

 have a legitimate educational sphere, unappreciated it mny be, but none the less real, iti 

 made only the more apparent hy contrast with the much lauded and munificently supported 

 schools and colleges of our day, that are still groping in llie misty fog of medieval literature 

 and abstract science; that they will eventually receive a fitting recognition is equally clear. 

 It will be sufficient here to refer to the successful progress of similar institutions iu other 

 parts of the country, to draw the encouragement that persistent eft'orts, aided and directed 

 by experience, will be everywhere eventually successful, and an Academy of Science be re- 

 cognized as an essential part in the educational appliances of every intelligent community. 



And although our Davenport Peabocly has not yet made his appearance, to enrich with 

 living gifts, or endow with testamentary liequests such an institution as ours, yet, pending 

 his arrival, tlii! harvest of natural truth must not be left entirely ungathered, though the fields 

 may be broad and fruitful and the laborers few. 



And now, gentlemen, having qualified myself hy the performance of a long-neglected duty, 

 to speak with sincerity and plainness, I will close by an earnest recommendation that, in 

 accordance with the well-recognized republican rule of rotation in office, you will join me in 

 selecting as my successor, one who will bring to the discharge of its duties a more active 

 zeal and executive ability than I have been able to give, though yielding to no one in my 

 earnest desire for th(! vvelfan; and usefulness of the Davenport Academy of Sciences. 



END OF VOLUME 11. 



